The mirror neuron system in the monkey and its role in action understanding

The human mirror neuron system may be crucial during language development and its dysfunction might lay at the basis of autism. In this study, researchers will investigate the mirror neuron system in the awake macaque monkey using high-field (3T and 7T) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a perfect tool to bridge the gap between monkey electrophysiology and human imaging data. A more full understanding of the complete extent of the mirror neuron system in the monkey may lead to a better understanding of language development and the causes of autism. The proposed research could also lead to a development of an animal model for autism in which pharmacological and behavioral therapies can be tested.